Collecting or delivering a sofa by van
Sofas are light for their size and large for their weight, which makes them popular candidates for failing at the front door. Ten minutes with a tape measure prevents the most common failure.
Measure the route, not just the sofa
Take the sofa's depth, width and height, and the diagonal depth. Then measure the narrowest point on the route: door frames, the hallway, the turn at the top of the stairs. A sofa that is wider than the narrowest gap will not go through, however many people lift.
- Door frame width
- Stair turn and landing
- Ceiling height on the stairs
Check the legs and arms
Many sofas have removable legs and some have removable arms or backs. Unscrewing the legs can save a few centimetres. Keep the screws in a labelled bag.
Protect it in the van
Wrap or cover the sofa to keep dust and moisture off, and ask for it to be loaded upright or on its back according to the manufacturer's guidance. Soft goods should go in last and sit near the doors.
Second-hand collection
For a used sofa from a seller, ask for photos and check for damp or pet smells at the handover. Agree the time window in advance so the seller and driver are both present.
Frequently asked questions
Will a sofa fit through my front door?
Compare the sofa's smallest dimension to the narrowest gap. Door frames, handrails and tight stair turns are the usual blockers.
Can you take a sofa down stairs?
That depends on the stairs and the people helping. Mention the floors and any lift when you request the quote.
Related guides
- Single Item Delivery LondonNeed one item moved in London? Share its size, weight and access needs, then compare Instant quote rates from £35/hour before requesting a quote.
- Loading Help, Stairs and Moving AccessPlan loading help, floors, lifts, doorway measurements and legal stopping places. Give the access information needed for a suitable moving quote.
- Moving Van Size GuideCompare Small, Medium, Large and Luton van pictures, example load-space dimensions, payloads and seating. Confirm the actual vehicle’s capacity before booking.
Ready to plan your job?
Go straight to the quote form. A quote request does not reserve a driver.